Moving on after tragedy can bring out our best
September 11 represents a day when any movement that turns our eyes upward, whether airplane, helicopter, bird, dandelion seed or golf ball, tilts our head toward a blue sky, reminds of that fateful day.
One day that matters at least as much and possibly more than Nine-Eleven involves the morning after. Even, the morning after that. And today.
Actions on September 12 determined how we would proceed with the stark reality that life can deliver excruciations for hearts.
Getting up and going on after severe loss requires emotional stamina, support and spiritual perseverance.
Any life lost due to unexpected circumstances tests our resolve. Similarity and parallel lines were in effect Monday when Christine’s Hope For Kids held an eighth annual golf outing in memory of Christine Gianacaci at Springdale Golf Club in Princeton.
Ms. Gianacaci, 22, and three other Lynn University (Boca Raton) students, plus, two professors, died in the 2010 earthquake which pancaked the Hotel Montana where they resided during a food delivery mission in Port au Prince, Haiti.
“Yes, it feels strange that we remember on the same day both Christine and people connected to 9-11. We thought about moving the date but in the end decided to have this event in memory of everybody. Everyone knows someone or connects with someone who died on 9-11,” Jean Gianacaci, Christine’s mother, said.
Monday marked the eighth golf event played in memory of Christine Gianacaci with proceeds dispatched to Christine’s Hope For Kids Foundation.
“Eight years have passed, sometimes it’s been fast and sometimes not. Some days are just crap,” Gianacaci confessed.
The Christine’s Hope for Kids Foundation was organized to continue the legacy and generous spirit of Christine Gianacaci, and her desire to help underprivileged children have an opportunity for a better life.
The mission of Christine’s Hope for Kids is to help less fortunate children; and to support local community agencies to work with and benefit children in need.
Whether we are supporting children to attend camp, holding book fairs, or packing pajama bags for children in shelters, we believe that it is the little things that can and do make the greatest impact in a child’s life.
Christine’s Hope for Kids partners with other local agencies to make available activities such as summer camps, sports programs, swimming lessons, music, art and photography classes.
Friends said Christine Gianacaci lived with a deep passion for children.
“So, the Foundation honors her memory and the joy she had in helping others,” Jean Gianacaci said.
Gianacaci noted that some have suggested she and husband, John, expand the non-profit.
“Of course, we could but we enjoy our small organization that has managed to help thousands. We like knowing the young people and families who benefit from Christine’s Hope For Kids,” Jean Gianacaci said.